How to Enable “Offer to Save Passwords and Passkeys” in Google Chrome via Registry Editor

Google Chrome provides a built-in feature to save passwords and passkeys, making it easier to manage your login credentials. However, in some cases, this option may be disabled and set to read-only, preventing users from enabling it through Chrome’s settings. This restriction is often applied by system administrators or through certain group policies. If you’re an administrator or have proper access, you can enable this feature by modifying the Windows Registry.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Warning: Backup Your Registry

Before making changes to the Registry Editor, create a backup. Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause system instability.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Click on File > Export and save a backup of your registry.

Steps to Enable “Offer to Save Passwords and Passkeys”

1. Open the Registry Editor
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Chrome Policies Path
   • Go to the following registry key:Copy codeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
3. Locate the Parameter: PasswordManagerEnabled
   • In the right-hand pane, look for a DWORD value named PasswordManagerEnabled.
4. Modify or Create the Parameter
   • If the parameter exists and is set to 0 (disabled), double-click it and change its value to 1 (enabled).
     • Value:
       • 0 = Disabled
       • 1 = Enabled
   • If the parameter does not exist:
     • Right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane.
     • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
     • Name it PasswordManagerEnabled.
     • Set its value to 1.
5. Restart Google Chrome
   • Close all instances of Google Chrome.
   • Open Chrome again and navigate to Settings > Autofill > Password Manager.
   • The “Offer to Save Passwords and Passkeys” option should now be enabled.

Additional Notes

• Policy Overriding: If the setting reverts or remains read-only, check if a Group Policy is enforcing the restriction.
  • Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to:Copy codeComputer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Google > Google Chrome
  • Ensure the policy “Enable saving passwords to the password manager” is set to Enabled or Not Configured.
• For Non-Administrators: If you’re on a managed device, contact your system administrator to enable this feature.

By modifying the PasswordManagerEnabled parameter in the Windows Registry, you can regain access to Chrome’s password-saving feature. This solution is particularly useful for IT administrators or advanced users who need control over Chrome policies. Always exercise caution when editing the registry and consult an expert if unsure.